Five Indians killed in road accident in Saudi Arabia
Riyadh : Five Indians working in Saudi Arabia were killed in a road accident near the country's capital Riyadh after their van overturned following...
Sporadic violence in Karachi after MQM chief’s arrest
Islamabad: Unidentified persons torched four vehicles in the Pakistani commercial hub of Karachi Tuesday following the arrest of MQM leader Altaf Hussain in London...
Abbas, Kerry discuss ceasefire in Gaza
Ramallah: Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas Thursday urged US Secretary of State John Kerry to work jointly to ensure a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip,...
US working to stop Hamas attacks to defuse Mideast tension
Washington : The US has said it is working to end rocket fire from Hamas in an effort to defuse the current crisis in...
8 year old Bhatkal boy earns prestigious ‘Preacher of the Nation’ award in UAE
By TwoCircles.net Staff reporter,
New Delhi: A Karnataka coastal town of Bhatkal which continuously remain in mainstream media’s focus due to its being a “home town” of alleged Indian Mujahideen outfit’s absconding founders Reyaz and Iqbal Shabandri has unfortunately missed the Indian mainstream media’s spotlight when an 8 year little boy of its origin won the highest prestigious reward for a child in Dubai of being ‘Preacher of the Nation’.
JTA decries Israel’s offensive in Gaza
By TCN News,
New Delhi: Jamia Teachers’ Association (JTA) has strongly condemned the ongoing atrocities being perpetrated by Israel on helpless Palestinians in Gaza.
Kosovo will not declare independence before March 10 – paper
BELGRADE, January 11 (RIA Novosti) - Kosovo will not declare unilateral independence before March 10, a Pristina-based newspaper said, citing sources in the Kosovo delegation negotiating the province's status.
The Express daily referred in particular to an agreement between Spain and other European Union states that Kosovo authorities would not proclaim independence until after parliamentary elections in Spain, due on March 9.
Yamani chairs meeting of Protection of Competition Council
By SPA
Riyadh : Minister of Commerce Dr Hashim Yamani chaired here today an extraordinary meeting of the Protection of Competition Council.
The Council’s Secretary General Mohammed Sindi said the participants of the meeting had reviewed issues pertaining to the hike of the prices of diaries and their derivatives.
The Council has ordered its General Secretariat to investigate in this respect.
Israeli army detains 10 wanted Palestinians in W Bank
By Xinhua
Ramallah : The Israeli troops arrested early on Monday morning 10 Palestinians in the West Bank, said to be wanted for being involved in planning attacks against Israel, Palestinian security sources reported.
Israeli Radio, which also confirmed the report, quoted an Israeli army spokesman as saying that 10 Palestinians, wanted by Israel, were detained in the West Bank cities of Nablus, Tulkarem, Hebron and Jericho.
Israeli, Palestinian negotiators to begin core-issue talks
By DPA
Jerusalem : Israeli and Palestinian negotiators are meeting here Monday for their first discussion on the so-called core issues of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The talks mark the first negotiations in seven years on such issues as the future of Jerusalem, the fate of Palestinian refugees and their descendents, security issues, and the borders of the future Palestinian state.
The talks will be continuous and are expected to take place every week or so.
UAE, France sign landmark nuclear cooperation agreement
By NNN-WAM
Abu Dhabi : UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and French President Nicholas Sarkozy have witnessed here the signing of a landmark bilateral nuclear cooperation agreement between the UAE and France.
The agreement, which was signed by UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan and French Foreign and European Affairs Minister Bernard Kouchner, provides a framework for cooperation between the two countries in the evaluation and potential use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.
Fresh Israeli airstrike kills two Palestinians
By Xinhua
Gaza : Two Palestinians were killed and three wounded on Wednesday evening in a fresh Israeli airstrike on a car in central Gaza Strip, medics and eyewitnesses reported.
Witnesses said that an Israeli aircraft struck a car near al-Bureij refugee camp in central Gaza Strip, in which three militants were believed to be riding, killing two and wounding several others.
They also said that shortly after the first strike, the Israeli aircraft fired another missile at the same area, which also caused casualties.
Seven killed in three Israeli air strikes on Gaza
By Xinhua
Gaza : Seven Palestinians were killed and 10 others wounded on Thursday in three airstrikes on Palestinian militants in different Gaza Strip areas, medics and witnesses said.
Two militants from al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas movement's armed wing, were killed and four others wounded in a fresh Israeli air strike on Zeitoon neighborhood in southern Gaza City on Thursday evening, witnesses and medics said.
Two Palestinian dies, three injured in Israeli air raid
By KUNA
Gaza : Two Palestinians were killed on Friday while three others were injured when Israeli aircraft executed a raid on Jabaliah town in the north of Gaza Strip.
The Israeli planes fired a couple of missiles at a group of Palestinians who were walking on one of Jabaliah streets, killing two of the pedestrians and injuring three others, eyewitnesses said.
According to Palestinian medical sources, the victims were identified as Ismail and Mahmoud Al-Barsh, in their 20s. The injured were admitted to Al-Shifa'a Hospital for medical care.
Israel decides to slightly ease siege on Gaza
By Xinhua
Jerusalem : Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak decided on Monday evening to slightly ease the siege on Gaza and to allow medical supplies and a minimal amount of diesel fuel for the power plant in Gaza, local media reported.
Barak made the decision following a security assessment made on Monday evening, the English daily Jerusalem Post reported on its website.
Six-nation talks on Iranian nuclear issue to be held Tuesday
By Xinhua
Berlin : Foreign Ministers from Germany, Russia, China, the United States, France and Britain are to hold talks in Berlin on Tuesday on the Iranian nuclear program, the German Foreign Ministry announced on Monday.
Iran receives fifth consignment of nuclear fuel from Russia
By Xinhua
Tehran : Iran received the fifth shipment of nuclear fuel from Russia on Tuesday for it's first nuclear powerplant being built at the Gulf port city of Bushehr, state media reported.
The newly arrived consignment contained 11 tons of enriched uranium and the rest nuclear fuel will be received in three separate shipments in coming weeks, said the state television.
Iran calls new Security Council resolution a “mistake”
TEHRAN, January 23 (RIA Novosti) - Iran's president has said the new nuclear program resolution agreed on Tuesday by the five permanent UN Security Council members and Germany is a mistake, national TV said on Wednesday.
"Our position is crystal clear. As we have stated before, from our point of view, Iran's nuclear problem is over, but they have made the same mistake again...an ineffective resolution," Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was quoted as saying.
Pakistan tests nuclear capable ballistic missile
By DPA
Islamabad : The Pakistan Army's Strategic Missile Group Friday conducted a successful launch of a medium-range, nuclear-capable ballistic missile, marking the conclusion of its annual field training exercises, the military said in a statement.
With a range of 700 km, Shaheen-1 (Hatf-IV) is an operational weapon system held by the army's Strategic Force Command. The missile is capable of shooting both conventional and nuclear weapons with pinpoint accuracy.
Arab FMs gather to discuss Lebanese, Gaza crises
By Xinhua
Cairo : An emergency meeting of Arab foreign ministers started here Sunday afternoon at the headquarters of the Cairo-based Arab League (AL) on the Lebanese political stalemate and the humanitarian crisis in the Palestinian territory of Gaza Strip.
The Arab foreign ministers are expected to review Arab steps, particularly a three-point Arab plan, endorsed to help resolve the current crisis over the Lebanese presidential elections.
Pakistan says foreign intelligence agencies behind in lawlessness
By IRNA
Islamabad : Pakistan said on Monday that foreign intelligence agencies are involved in lawlessness in the country.
Secretary Interior Syed Kamal Shah told the Senate Standing Committee on Interior that the government has solid evidence that foreign intelligences are involved in deteriorating situation in Pakistan.
Shah did not name any country and said that threat of terrorism and suicide attacks on politicians still exists.
He said it is very difficult to stop suicide bombers.
First Gulf Bank earns record profit of $547 mn
By IANS
Abu Dhabi : The First Gulf Bank (FGB), one of the leading financial institutions of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has announced a record profit of 2 billion dirham ($547 million) for 2007, WAM news agency reported Wednesday.
According to the FGB board of directors, the figure was up by 31 percent from last year's profit.
The bank's consistent growth coupled with healthy profitability, efficiency, and liquidity and capital adequacy ratios with return on average equity at 21 percent demonstrates strong financial performance, the bank said.
Iraqi cameraman killed in bomb attack in Baghdad
By Xinhua
Baghdad : A roadside bomb detonated near the vehicle of an Iraqi television crew in Salahudin province in north of Baghdad, their television reported on Wednesday.
Alaa Abdul Kareem al-Fartousi, a cameraman for the al-Furat television, was killed by the blast near the town of Balad on Tuesday, while his deputy cameraman and a female journalist were seriously wounded, the television said.
Afghan deputy governor among six killed in suicide attack
By KUNA
Kabul : A deputy provincial governor and five more people were killed in a suicide blast inside a mosque in southern Afghanistan on Thursday.
The bomber blew himself inside a mosque in Lashkargah, capital of the country's southern Helmand province when people were busy praying.
Pir Mohammad was among the six people killed in the huge blast, police chief of the province Mohammad Hussain Andiwal confirmed to KUNA over the telephone.
AIP meeting will discuss Israeli siege on Gaza Saturday — speaker
By KUNA
Cairo : Speaker of the Arab Interim Parliament (AIP) Mohammad Al-Saqer stressed Thursday the importance of the parliament's meeting that would be held on Saturday to discuss implications of the Israeli siege on Gaza.
Speaking to KUNA on the sidelines of the Fifth Conference of the Parliamentary Union of Organization of the Islamic Conference Members (PUOICM), the Kuwaiti MP said, "The meeting will be dedicated to discussing the situation in Gaza," but hinted that the Lebanese file may be touched upon should members request this.
Istanbul factory blast kills 17, injures over 60
By RIA Novosti
Ankara : An explosion at a fireworks factory in Turkey's largest city Istanbul on Thursday left 17 dead and 68 injured, local media said.
The blast went off at 9.45 a.m. local time (7.45 a.m. GMT) in the industrial Davutpasha district, in Maltepe, which houses shops and factory outlets.
Eight of the injured are in a critical condition. People are still being pulled out from the debris of the collapsed five-story building. The number of victims could rise, doctors said.
Barak announces intention to remain in gov’t
By Xinhua
Jerusalem : Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak Sunday announced his intention to remain in the government despite a "harsh" final report on the Lebanon War in 2006, incurring criticism from the opposition as well as members of his own party, local media reported on their websites.
Olmert agrees to soften his attitude on prisoners release
By KUNA
Ramallah : Radio Israel said Monday Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has approved recommendations put forward to him by a special ministerial committee calling on him to be more flexible in dealing with Palestinian prisoners.
Members of the committee agreed on the number of prisoners to be set free in return for releasing Israeli soldier Jilaad Shalit, who was captured by Hamas in Gaza.
According to Israeli media, such a move by Olmert is expected to speed up the process leading to a prisoner exchange with Hamas.
Gaza militants fire makeshift rockets into Israel
By Xinhua
Gaza : Gaza-based Palestinian militants shelled southern Israel communities with makeshift missiles on Monday following a brief calmness, militant groups said.
The Islamic Jihad (Holy War) movement said in a press release that its militants fired two home-made rockets into southern Israeli town Sderot. "The operation was in response to the ongoing Israeli aggression in the Gaza Strip and West Bank," said the statement.
In the West Bank city of Jenin, Israeli forces killed two Jihad gunmen and wounded a third earlier in the morning.
Top German MP backs Afghan deployment
By IRNA
Berlin : A senior German legislator of the co-ruling Social Democratic Party broke ranks with the country's leadership by supporting US and NATO calls for the deployment of German combat troops throughout Afghanistan, the daily Bild newspaper reported Monday.
3 Iraqis killed during raid north of Baghdad
By SPA
Baghdad : Three Iraqis were killed, including a woman, and at least one child was injured after American soldiers stormed a tiny one-room house north of Baghdad and opened fire, U.S. and Iraqi officials said Tuesday.
Iraqi police said a couple and their 19-year-old son were killed, and that their two young daughters were wounded in the U.S. raid around 11 p.m. Monday. One of the young girls died early Tuesday, and the other was evacuated to a U.S. military hospital, police was quoted as saying by the Associated Press.
Pakistan says it has done most to counter Al Qaeda
By Xinhua
Islamabad : Pakistan said Wednesday that it has done more than any other country to counter the challenge of the Al Qaeda.
"We do not need to repeat that. Pakistan has given more sacrifices than any other country in this war," Foreign Ministry spokesman Muhammad Sadiq said in response to comments by US intelligence chief that Al Qaeda and the Taliban were present in Pakistan's tribal region.
Mike McConnell, US director of national intelligence, has said that the tribal areas of Pakistan bordering Afghanistan remain a sanctuary for Islamist terrorist activity.
Germany to send more troops to Afghanistan
By DPA
Berlin : Germany is to send a 200-strong Quick Reaction Force (QRF) to Afghanistan in the summer of 2008 to provide additional security for reconstruction teams working in the region, German Defence Minister Franz Josef Jung said Wednesday.
The troops are to replace a larger Norwegian contingent, which is leaving. Their main tasks are to conduct patrols and provide security and crowd control, as well as mount evacuation and search operations.
Five American soldiers killed in Iraq
By Xinhua
Baghdad : Five U.S. soldiers were killed Friday in two separate bombings in Iraq, the U.S. military said on Saturday.
Four soldiers were killed when their vehicle struck an improvised explosive device while they were on a combat patrol in northwest of Baghdad, themilitary said.
Another soldier was killed and three others were wounded in an explosion near their vehicle as they carried out operations in Tamim province, the military said in another statement.
The wounded soldiers were sent to a coalition medical facility for treatment.
U.S. forces kill two al-Qaida leaders north of Baghdad
By Xinhua
Tikrit, Iraq : U.S. troops killed on Saturday two non-Iraqi Arab leaders of the al-Qaida in Iraq network near the restive city of Samarra, 120 km north of Baghdad, a security source said.
"The Saudi national, Abu Nooh, leader of Qaida group in Samarra and his Algerian assistant Abu Asim, were ambushed and killed by the U.S. troops early on Saturday morning in the Ragga area west of Samarra," Mazin Younis, head of Samarra anti-Qaida Awakening Council group, told Xinhua.
Hamas warns Israel of heavy price if leaders harmed
By Xinhua
Gaza : Islamic Hamas movement on Monday warned that Israel will pay heavy price if the Jewish state harms Hamas leaders in response to Qassam rocket attacks targeting southern Israel from the Hamas-ruled Gaza.
"The Israeli threats against senior leaders like Prime Minister Ismail Haneya are dangerous escalation that we strongly warn against," said Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri.
Israel will pay the price for any "stupid act it may commit," said Abu Zuhri, adding that if the crimes were carried out, Hamas' response "would be unprecedented."
British journalist feared missing in Iraq
By NNN-KUNA
London : The UK Foreign Office said Tuesday it was "urgently" looking into reports that a western journalist - said to be British - has been kidnapped in Iraq.
Reports from Iraq said a British employee of US network CBS and his interpreter had been seized by gunmen last Sunday. The pair were reportedly kidnapped near their hotel in Basra.
The British Foreign Office said it was investigating the report.
A spokeswoman said, "We are aware of reports of a western national missing in Basra and we are urgently looking into it."
Rice may visit Israel, Palestinian areas next month
By Xinhua
Washington : U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said here on Wednesday that she may visit Israel and the Palestinian territories in early March to help the two sides narrow their differences in peace talks.
Rice told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee that Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbaswere trying to continue peace talks "without much public glare" and the United States was doing everything it could to help.
Rice to participate in Iraq’s neighbour countries meeting in April
By NNN-KUNA
Washington : US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said Wednesday she would visit Kuwait end of April to participate in a meeting of countries neighbouring Iraq.
Rice said in a hearing before the Congress Foreign Relations 2009 budget that she accepted the invitation of the Kuwaiti government to participate in the 3rd Iraq's neighbouring meeting in late April.
Representatives from Iraq, its neighbouring countries and permanent UN Security Council (UNSC) member countries will attend the meeting.
Iran summons Danish ambassador over reprint of Prophet Muhammad cartoons
By SPA
Tehran : Iran has summoned the Danish ambassador to Tehran in protest over the reprinting of cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad by leading Danish newspapers, state TV. reported on Thursday.
According to AP, the report said that during a meeting between Foreign Ministry officials and the Danish envoy, the Iranian side strongly condemned Wednesday's reprint and demanded the Danish government take a serious approach to the case and prevent its recurrence.
Iran summons Danish ambassador over Mohammed cartoon
By DPA
Tehran : The Iranian foreign ministry Thursday summoned the Danish ambassador over the re-publication of a controversial cartoon depicting Prophet Mohammed wearing a bomb as a turban.
Condemning the move, the foreign ministry in Tehran called on the Danish government to confront "such renewed insults" which it termed contrary to both humanitarian and democratic norms, Fars news agency reported.
Iran summons Danish envoy as cartoon row resurfaces
Tehran (ANTARA News) - Iran summoned Denmark's ambassador to protest the reprinting on Wednesday of a cartoon of Prophet Mohammed that caused bloody riots in the Islamic world two years ago, the state run IRNA news agency reported.
The cartoon, one of a series of 12 cartoons first published in September 2005 that sparked protests in early 2006, was reprinted in at least 17 Danish newspapers a day after Danish police foiled a murder plot against the cartoonist.
Syria pledges efforts to find murderer of Hezbollah leader
By Xinhua
Damascus : Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Muallem said Thursday that Syria would find the murderer of Hezbollah commander Imad Moughniyah as soon as possible.
Muallem made the remarks after meeting with his visiting Iranian counterpart Manouchehr Mottaki, who came to Damascus following a trip to Lebanon where he attended the late commander's funeral.
Moughniyah was killed in a car bombing in a residential neighborhood in Damascus late Tuesday.
Pakistan gets ready for ‘mother of all elections’
By Muhammad Najeeb, IANS
Islamabad : Pakistan goes to the polls Monday to elect members to its national parliament and four provincial assemblies in a contest President Pervez Musharraf describes as the "mother of all elections" but which others say is the most colourless in decades.
More than 80 million people are eligible to cast their votes in the polls, the 10th general elections since formation of the country in 1947. The polls are being held under tight security with the army out to help the law enforcing agencies to ensure peaceful polling.
Palestinian brigades attack Israel”s Soufa Crossing
By KUNA
Gaza : The National Resistance Brigades, the military wing of the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine, claimed responsibility for a missile attack on Israel's Soufa Crossing Saturday morning.
In a statement, the brigades said one of its units launched an "advanced" locally-made missile at the crossing, located close to Rafah, southern Gaza Strip.
Delay in Iran-US talks nothing to do with Ahmadinejad’s visit to Iraq
By NNN-IRNA
Tehran : Postponement of the next round of Iran-US talks on Iraq is not related to an upcoming visit to Baghdad of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, the Foreign Ministry spokesman said.
"We saw no relationship between the two issues," Mohammad-Ali Hosseini told reporters at his weekly press briefing Sunday.
Earlier in the day, he said that the fourth round of the Iran-US talks on the situation in Iraq was postponed for "technical reasons." The two sides have so far held three rounds of talks on the Iraqi situation, on May 28, July 24 and Aug 6, 2007.
British soldier killed in Afghanistan blast
By KUNA
London : A British soldier has been killed and a second injured in an attack in Afghanistan, the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) said Monday.
The soldiers were on foot patrol in southern Afghanistan when they were caught in an explosion yesterday.
An MoD spokesman said "Yesterday evening the soldiers were taking part in a foot patrol near Kajaki, Helmand Province, when they were caught in an explosion".
Foreign observers, ambassadors, analysts express satisfaction over election process
By NNN-APP
Islamabad : Foreign observers, ambassadors and analysts who visited various polling stations across the country have expressed satisfaction over the polling process.
US Senator John Kerry has said that voters and supporters of different candidates have expressed their confidence in the voting process at the polling stations he had visited, Radio Pakistan reported.
In an interview after visiting a polling station, John Kerry said he was impressed by the polling structure devised by the Election Commission.
Radio officials in the Gulf Cooperation Council will hold their second meeting
By KUNA
Riyadh : Officials in charge of radio broadcast in the six member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) hold their 12th meeting here on Wednesday. The officials are expected to discuss a number of topics aimed at the transfer of broadcasting cooperation to broader vistas through mere modern technology, especially in the area of digital radio.
They are also expected to review proposals submitted by the Secretariat and member states on the development of coordination between the radio authorities in the GCC States and the development of broadcast caders.
Hamas delegation heads for talks in Cairo over border issues
By Xinhua
Gaza : A delegation from Hamas movement headed for Cairo for talks with the Egyptian officials on reopening a crossing point between the Hamas-ruled Gaza and Egypt, a Hamas website reported on Tuesday.
Reopening Rafah crossing, which was closed last June when Hamas took over Gaza by force, was the main purpose of the visit, according to Palmedia.net news website.
Iran, Iraq emphasize on need to restore brder posts
By NNN-IRNA
Tehran : The deputy foreign ministers of Iran and Iraq have signed a border agreement to restore the posts at the two countries' shared land and water international borders, including those in Arvand River.
According to IRNA Political Desk reporter, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister (Arab World and African Affairs) Mohammad-Reza Baqeri said at the ceremony held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs here Wednesday to sign the agreement in the presence of Iraq's Deputy Foreign Minister (Legal Affairs) Muhammad al-Haaj Hammoud that bilateral ties are friendly.
Islamic Jihad rejects NATO deployment in West Bank
By Xinhua
Ramallah : The Islamic Jihad movement on Thursday rejected any NATO deployment in the West Bank as part of a planning Israeli withdrawal from the territory.
The radical Islamic group voiced the rejection in a statement in response to Israeli media reports that the U.S. was considering deploying NATO forces in the West Bank after pushing Israel to end the occupation of the territory.
"The Palestinian people don't need a new occupation under the U.S. command," said the Jihad statement.
Turk Army Bombs Iraqi Kurdistan
By Prensa Latina
Baghdad : The Turkish army bombed Thursday alleged positions of the Kurdistan Worker's Party (PKK) in the northern Iraqi mountainous zone, security force sources reported.
Turkey has deployed thousands of soldiers along the border with this Arab country, where the PKK has bases and refuges.
The troops sent by Ankara have attacked those targets through small-scale operations in the country's interior zone, and also with air actions.
UN Security Council fails again to address Gaza situation
By NNN-KUNA
United Nations : The Security Council once again failed to issue a press statement on the deteriorating situation in Gaza because of US objection.
Council president Ricardo Alberto Arias of Panama spoke to reporters in his national capacity following a council discussion of the matter late Thursday, saying he is "profoundly concerned about the increased violence in the Middle East region."
He added that "we are concerned about the effect it has on the civil population and with the effect it has on the deteriorating humanitarian situation.
Thirty one killed in launch capsize incident in Buriganga
By NNN-BSS
Dhaka, Bangladesh : At least 31 people, mostly women and children, drowned this afternoon, when a launch carrying more than 200 passengers capsized in the Buriganga River, rescuers and witnesses said.
They said the Munshiganj suburb-bound vessel, Saurav-1, from Sadarghat in Dhaka, sank near the Buriganga Bridge at Postagala, Being hit by a sand-laden cargo vessel from behind.
Fire service officials said 16 of the victims were women, eight children and seven men.
The death toll could rise, they said, as the rescue operation were continuing.
Israel sounds out world opinion on large-scale ground incursion into Gaza
By Xinhua
Jerusalem : Israel has been trying to sound out the world reaction over its large-scale ground incursion into Gaza while it intensified strikes on Gaza during the past few days.
Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak on Thursday spoke over phone with international Quartet Middle East Envoy Tony Blair and Egyptian Intelligence Minister Omar Suliman and impressed upon them that Israel would no longer be able to tolerate the current situation.
Two Israeli soldiers killed in N Gaza operation
By Xinhua
Jerusalem : A spokeswoman of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed to Xinhua on Saturday that two IDF soldiers were killed during a military operation in northern Gaza Strip.
The spokeswoman also confirmed that an officer and six other soldiers were injured in the same incident. The injured have been airlifted to the Soroka University Medical Center in Beersheba.
The two were killed during a fire exchange with gunmen, who apparently used an explosive device during the fighting, local daily Yedioth Ahronoth said.
ADB to get feedback on safeguard policy update
By NNN-APP
Islamabad : Representatives from Government, civil society, academy, development agencies and the private sector are taking part in consultations in Hanoi, Vietnam this week to give feedback on a proposed update of the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) environmental and social safeguard policies.
IHC stays notification on PB-35 Khuzdar-III
By APP
Islamabad : A Division Bench of Islamabad High Court here Thursday restrained Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) not to issue official notification of returning candidate on PB-35 Khuzdar-III, till the disposal of case. The Division Bench comprising Justice Mohammad Munir Paracha and Justice Syed Qalbe Hassan heard the writ petition filed by Mian Atta-ur-Rehman Mengal, a PML-Q candidate, through Wasim Sajjad, senior advocate of Supreme Court.
Lebanese PM says willing to go to Damascus if “convenient”
By Xinhua
Beirut : Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Seniora has said that he is willing to visit Damascus and participate in the upcoming Arab summit "if all circumstances were convenient," local As-Safir daily reported Saturday.
"The visit, (however) does not mean any change in our convictions," Seniora was quoted as noting on Friday.
Malaysia’s ruling party retains power, but sees major losses
By DPA
Kuala Lumpur : Malaysia's ruling coalition retained control of the government in Saturday's general elections, but suffered major blows as the opposition managed to wrest control of three states.
The National Front coalition, led by Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, managed to secure a simple majority of 112 parliamentary seats out of the 222 seats contested in the polls. But it was the first time since 1969 that the opposition managed to deny the ruling coalition a two-thirds majority.
Syrian, Qatari, Omani, Iranian FMs discuss in Damascus Lebanon, Arab summit
By NNN-KUNA
Damascus : Foreign ministers of Syria, Qatar, Oman and Iran held a meeting in Damascus Saturday to discuss the political standoff in Lebanon, situations in occupied Palestinian territories and upcoming Arab summit, an Arab diplomatic source said.
Syria's Walid Al-Mu'allem, Qatar's prime minister and foreign minister sheikh Hamad bin Jassem Al-Thani, Oman's Yusuf bin Alawi and Iran's Manouchehr Mottaki held a working lunch in a restaurant close to Damascus airport, The source, requesting anonymity, told KUNA.
Four PKK rebels captured in SE Turkey
By Xinhua
Ankara : The Turkish security forces captured four rebels of the banned Kurdish Workers' Party (PKK) in southeastern Turkey, a military statement said on Sunday.
The statement posted by the Turkish General Staff on its website said that the security forces captured the four PKK rebels in Ergani town of Diyarbakir on March 6.
Hamdan, al Beshir confer on latest Arab, world issues
By WAM
Abu Dhabi : Deputy Prime Minister HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan received Sunday night visiting Sudanese President Omar Hassan al-Bestir.
Sheikh Hamdan and Sudanese head of state explored ways of enhancing bilateral ties and exchanged views on wide-range current issues at Arab, regional and international levels.
Sheikh Hamdan hoped al Beshir's visit would contribute to further bolstering UAE-Sudan cooperation in sectors of economy, trade and investment.
Ban appoints registrar for special tribunal for Lebanon
By NNN-KUNA
United Nations : Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has appointed Robin Vincent of Britain as the Registrar of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon to prosecute the suspects in the assassination of Lebanese former premier Rafik Hariri and others, it was announced here.
Vincent will commence his duties on a date to be determined, Ban's office said in a statement late Monday.
Islamophobia High on OIC Summit
By IRNA
Riyadh : With drawings blaspheming Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him) and a documentary desecrating the holy Quran, alarming Islamophobia in the West will be high on the agenda of the Muslim leaders' upcoming Summit.
"We have to resolve the issue of Islamophobia through a committed political dialogue and a historical reconciliation between Islam and the West," Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Conference Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu said.
Japan voices concern over Israeli settlement expansion
By KUNA
Tokyo : Japan voiced concern Thursday over Israel's plans to resume construction of some 750 housing units at the settlement in the vicinity of Jerusalem, urging the Israeli government to immediately reverse the decision.
"Such measure in the controversial settlements might further undermine the momentum for peace and might have negative impacts on the current peace process between the Israeli and the Palestinian sides," Foreign Ministry Press Secretary Kazuo Kodama said in a statement.
11 suspected militants detained from Afghanistan’s Khost
By NNN-Xinhua
Kabul : Eleven suspected militants have been detained from eastern Afghan province of Khost during a Afghan and Coalition forces joint operation, according to a Coalition statement issued here early Friday morning.
Afghan National Security Force and the U.S.-led Coalition forces on March 12 searched compounds in Tanai district "targeting militants linked to foreign fighter, improvised explosive device and weapons facilitation operations," and detained 11 individuals, it said.
The statement said the detained individuals will be questioned.
Lebanon’s presidential vote postponed for 17th time
By NNN-KUNA
Beirut : Lebanese House Speaker Nabih Berri has postponed a parliamentary session dedicated for the election of a new president of the republic scheduled Tuesday to April 25 amid continued deadlock between rival political leaders.
The Speaker's Office announced the postponement of the 17th session Monday after the Lebanese political leaders failed once again to reach a political solution that would facilitate the process of electing a president.
Israeli DM considers approving US plan to transfer weapons to W. Bank
By KUNA
Gaza : Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak is considering approving a US plan to allow the transfer of weapons, protective gear, and night-vision goggles for Palestinian security forces in the West Bank, The Jerusalem Post reported on Wednesday.
Syria keen on enhancing Arab solidarity – Al-Assad
By NNN-SANA
Damascus : President Bashar al-Assad has reviewed with Arab League Secretary-General Amr Moussa the agenda of the forthcoming Arab Summit and the efforts exerted to unite the Arab ranks and enhance Arab common work.
President al-Assad stressed Tuesday Syria's keenness to enhance Arab solidarity and importance of outlining proper mechanisms for the implementation of the Arab summit resolutions.
UAE appoints the country’s first female judge
By Xinhua
Abu Dhabi : President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Wednesday appointed the country's first female judge, making it the second Gulf country to have a female judge after Bahrain, the official Emirates News Agency reported.
Sarkozy pledges troops to Afghanistan
By SPA
London : French President Nicolas Sarkozy pledged Wednesday to send more troops to Afghanistan, as he traveled to Britain for a two-day state visit aimed at creating a new era of trust between the neighboring nations.
Sarkozy said in an interview in advance of his arrival that France and Britain must trust each other more and work together on immigration, defense and the economy.
Pakistan considers UN role in probing Bhutto’s killing
By Xinhua
United Nations : Pakistan's new prime minister Yousaf Raza Gilani has said that the country may ask the United Nations to investigate Benazir Bhutto's assassination, a UN spokesperson said Wednesday.
Michele Montas told reporters that UN chief Ban Ki-moon had called the prime minister Wednesday morning to congratulate him.
At that point, the prime minister informed the secretary-general that the Pakistani Parliament intended to take up the issue of a potential UN investigation into Benazir Bhutto's assassination.
Israeli soldiers kill Hamas militant in Gaza
By Xinhua
Gaza : A militant of the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) was shot dead early on Friday by Israeli troops' gunfire southeast of the Gaza Strip, Hamas sources and medics said. Hamas said in a leaflet sent to reporters that one of the movement's militants was killed in an exchange of fire with an Israeli army force east of al-Garara village in southern Gaza Strip.
UN chief condemns anti-Islam film
By IRNA
New York : UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has strongly condemned a controversial film on Islam made by a Dutch politician, calling it "offensively anti-Islamic".
Several Muslim countries have also condemned the film, a 15-minute polemic by the far-right MP Geert Wilder, which was posted online on Thursday.
Pakistan, Indonesia, Iran and Bangladesh were among those to protest.
The film sets verses from the Koran against a background of violent images from terror attacks.
Kashmiris’ wishes paramount while resolving issue: Pakistan PM
By Muhammad Najeeb, IANS
Islamabad : Pakistan Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gillani said Saturday that his government wants the Kashmir issue to be resolved in accordance with UN resolutions and wishes of the Kashmiri people.
The prime minister was announcing his government's priorities after the vote of confidence from the National Assembly or the lower house of parliament.
"I want to assure my sisters and brothers in Kashmir that their sacrifices will not be ignored and Pakistan will make every effort to resolve the issue in accordance with their wishes," Gillani said.
New Pakistani PM says government will reinstate judges
By SPA
Islamabad, Pakistan : Pakistan will fight terrorism as its top priority but will also negotiate with groups willing to lay down their arms, the country's new prime minister said Saturday.
Yousaf Raza Gilani said in his first policy speech that the government also will seek to reinstate judges sacked last year.
We are confronting many challenges, but we are not afraid of these challenges, and we will face them, Gilani told lawmakers.
Parliament elected Gilani on Monday, six weeks after opposition parties triumphed in elections that have restored democracy.
Chinese delegation call on PPP leaders
By APP
Islamabad : China and Pakistan agreed on mutual consensus over exchange of trade, youth and cultural delegations to strengthen the brotherly relationship between the two countries and formulation of strategy particularly to counter terrorism.
It was proposed in the meeting held between the Chinese delegate headed by Liu Hung Cai of Communist Party of China and leaders of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) comprising Jhangir Badar, Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, Senator Raza Rabani, Nafeesa Shah and Ibn- Muhammad Rizvi here in People’s Secretariat.
Chinese Vice Minister calls on President Musharraf
By APP
Islamabad : President Pervez Musharraf highlighting Pak-China relations said Pakistan cherishes its long-standing friendship with China and confident that it would continue to gain strength in future to serve the best interests of the two countries and the region.
He was talking Friday to Liu Hongcai, Vice Minister of the International Department of Communist Party of China who is leading a five-member delegation for the 9th Meeting of the Standing Committee of the International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP) being held in Islamabad from Friday to Sunday.
Israeli government continuing West Bank construction
By SPA
Tel Aviv : A dovish Israeli group says construction in West Bank settlements has continued despite Israeli-Palestinian peace talks.
'Peace Now' group says in a new report Monday that more than 500 buildings are under construction in settlements. The group says Israel's Defense Ministry has approved nearly 1,000
new housing units in the West Bank.
Musharraf swears in Pakistani Cabinet ministers
By SPA
Islamabad : President Pervez Musharraf has sworn in a new Pakistani Cabinet made up of ministers.
Twenty-four ministers took the oath from Musharraf at a ceremony in the capital. Most of them are from the parties of slain opposition leader Benazir Bhutto and another former prime minister, Nawaz Sharif, the Associated Press reported.
Hezbollah may strike Israel via third party — Haaretz
By KUNA
Gaza : Hezbollah may try to carry out an attack in northern Israel with the help of another paramilitary organization, which can provide it with deniability, intelligence officers told the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense committee on Tuesday.
Mubarak meets Abbas on Palestinian-Israeli talks, regional developments
By Xinhua
Cairo : Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak held talks Wednesday morning with visiting Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on the latest development in the Middle East, particularly the future of the Palestinian-Israeli peace talks.
At a press conference following the talks, Abbas said he briefed Mubarak on the outcome of the 20th Arab Summit ended Sunday in Damascus and his short visit in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday.
Pakistan military appoints new intelligence chief
By Xinhua
Islamabad : Pakistan's army chief General Ashfaq Kayani has appointed new chief of the Military Intelligence(MI), the military spokesman Major General Athar Abbas confirmed on Thursday.
Abbas told Xinhua that Major General Mohammad Asif replaced Major General Nadeem Ejaz as the MI director general, and the new MI chief will take the post Friday.
Ejaz, appointed MI chief by then army chief Pervez Musharraf in 2006, has been posted as the General Officer Commanding (GOC), Bahawalpur of Pakistan's Punjab province.
Israel removes 50 West Bank barriers easing Palestinian travel
By RIA Novosti
Tel Aviv : Israel has notified the U.S. and the Palestinian National Authority that it has removed 50 roadblocks to ease the movement for Palestinians in the West Bank, the Haaretz newspaper reported Thursday.
The removal of the barriers was part of a package of measures agreed Sunday at a meeting between U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, the Israeli defense minister, Ehud Barak, and Palestinian prime minister, Salam Fayyad.
Turkish PM plays down European court verdict on PKK
By KUNA
Ankara : Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan played down Friday the decision of the Court of Justice of the European Communities to cancel the Turkish-outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) from the blacklist of terrorist organizations.
The position of the European countries against the PKK did not change despite the court verdict, Erdogan told reporters here following an official visit to Sweden.
Leaders of the European Commission, the executive arm of the European Union, and the European Parliament, assured that the PKK would remain blacklisted, he disclosed.
Saudi King, Kuwait”s Amir discuss means of bolstering bilateral ties
By KUNA
Riyadh : Official talks were held on Saturday between the state of Kuwait and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia chaired by visiting Kuwait's Amir, Highness Sheikh Sabah al Ahmad al Jaber al Sabah and Custodian of the two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz al Saud.
The two sides discussed the already strong bilateral relations at all levels.
They also discussed a number of regional and Arab issues of reciprocal interest.
Palestinians to have say in any settlement with Israel – Abbas
By NNN-KUNA
Ramallah : Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has stressed that a peaceful settlement with Israel will not be "at any cost", pledging at the same time that Palestinians will have their say in any settlement reached.
Abbas made the remarks during his reception of a number of Fatah leaders in Jerusalem and Bethlehem, who recently won elections.
The Palestinian president urged them to hold Fatah's sixth general conference despite all obstacles, the Palestinian Radio said Sunday.
Tehran, Washington may soon hold new talks on Iraqi security
By RIA Novosti
Tehran : Iran is studying a U.S. proposal to hold a fourth round of talks on Iraqi security in the near future, a Foreign Ministry spokesman said on Monday.
The new round was originally scheduled for mid-February, but has been postponed twice for "technical reasons."
"We have received an official request from the United States to hold a new round of talks on Iraq and we are studying this proposal," Mohammad Ali Hosseini told a news conference in Tehran.
Iran receives US official note to hold talks on Iraq: FM
By NNN-IRNA
Tehran : Iran has received an official note from US officials to hold the fourth round of talks on Iraq, Foreign Ministry spokesman Mohammad-Ali Hosseini said.
"We are studying the US officials' repeated request which was sent to us as an official note to hold new round of talks on Iraq," Hosseini told his weekly press conference here Monday.
The fourth round of talks between Iranian and US officials on Iraq's security situation was expected to be held on March 6, but was cancelled at the last minute.
Two NATO soldiers among 22 killed in Afghan violence
By KUNA
Kabul : Two soldiers of the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) were among the 22 people killed in fresh violence in different parts of Afghanistan, officials here said on Monday.
A NATO spokesman said two British troopers were killed as their patrol hit a landmine blast in the southern Helmand province, where they are stationed as part of the peacekeeping operations of the multi-national force.
Al-Assad meets Berri, renews Syria’s support for dialogue among Lebanese
By NNN-SANA
Damascus : President Bashar al-Assad has held discussions with Speaker of the Lebanese Parliament Nabih Berri the results of the recently held Damascus Arab Summit, and the Lebanese issues in particular.
Al-Assad reiterated Syria's support for dialogue among the Lebanese and national consensus as the only means to resolve the Lebanese crisis.
He expressed Syria's readiness to present all possible assistance requested by the Lebanese to achieve security and stability in Lebanon.
Indonesian Internet companies block Web sites
By SPA
Jakarta, Indonesia : At least three Internet companies say they have blocked access to YouTube and MySpace because of an anti-Islam film by a Dutch lawmaker.
The move Tuesday was in response to an order by the Indonesian government.
IndosatM2, a popular Internet Service Provider, and two other companies said they had temporarily blocked YouTube, MySpace and three other video-sharing Web sites.
It was not immediately clear if the country's other seven or so providers were following suit, the Associated Press reported.
Iraq violence casts pall on key US Congress report
By AFP
Washington : US lawmakers Tuesday grilled the top US general in Iraq amid fierce fighting on the ground as Shiite radical leader Moqtada al-Sadr threatened to end a truce which had helped staunch the bloodshed.
Sadr's threat hung over the key hearing in the US Congress, as General David Petraeus urged troop withdrawals to be frozen for at least 45 days after July to allow military commanders to review security.
Saudi Financial support for demining operation in South Lebanon
By SPA
Beirut : Under the directives of The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah bin Abdul-Aziz, the Saudi Embassy in Beirut handed over a sum of $500,000 to UN Mine Action Coordination Center, Southern Lebanon (MACC SL).
The check for the amount was handed over to MACC SL's Chief Operation Officer Tekimiti Gilbert.
Saudi Charge D'Affairs Fayez Talat Wafa said the support of demining project demonstrates the permanent positions of the Kingdom beside Lebanon and in support of the safety of its citizens and protection of its territory.
24 Taliban killed in clashes, air strikes in Afghanistan
By SPA
Kandahar, Afghanistan : A provincial official says Afghan and foreign troops have killed 24 Taliban militants during an operation in southern Afghanistan, the Associated Press reported.
Ghulab Shah Alikheil says the joint forces clashed with the militants in two areas of southern Zabul province.
Alikheil said eight other militants were wounded in Friday's clashes and airstrikes.
Alikheil says there were no casualties among Afghan and foreign troops.
Yemeni University announces AIDS remedy
By NNN-SABA
Sana'a : Chairman of the Iman University Abdul Majeed al-Zindani has announced his university readiness to treat HIV-affected people.
The announcement was made at a press conference on the sidelines of the first international health conference that coincided with the sixth medical forum held recently in Yemen.
Al-Zindani said that after twenty years of search he and a medical team could produce a medication that will help cure the HIV- affected people.
He added the medication was produced under the supervision of the University of Abdul Aziz Bin Saud.
Palestinian official urges Israel to open commercial crossing with Gaza
By Xinhua,
Gaza : A Palestinian official said Saturday that the flow of goods into Gaza will remain weak unless Israel opens a key commercial crossing point into the besieged territory.
"The promises to increase the amount and sorts of products that Israel sends to Gaza can not be met unless al-Muntar (Karni) crossing is opened," said independent lawmaker Jamal al-Khodary, who leads a campaign against the sanctions that Israel imposed on Gaza last year.
Dhaka, Malaysia to sign money laundering pact
By IANS,
Dhaka : Bangladesh is to seal a pact with Malaysia on sharing information over money laundering, a newspaper report here said.
The Bangladesh Bank and Bank Negara Malaysia, the central banks of the two countries, will sign the agreement Monday, the the New Age newspaper reported.
Bangladesh also wants similar agreements with several countries including India.
The central bank is also trying to join the Egmont Group, an organisation of financial intelligence units, to share information on and combat money laundering and terror financing.
Save me, Musharraf urges Saudi Arabia
By Muhammad Najeeb, IANS,
Islamabad : Disappointed by his American friends, President Pervez Musharraf, who faces impeachment by the ruling coalition, has sent an "SOS message" to the Saudi authorities, a source said Monday.
"The message was sent through a senior Saudi diplomat based in Islamabad," the source told IANS, adding the president has received a response that is "not very positive".
The source said the Saudi authorities, however, are sending a senior government official to gain a first hand view of the situation arising out of the impeachment move.
Eight civilians among 33 killed in Afghanistan air strike
By KUNA,
Kabul : Eight Afghan civilians were among the 33 people killed in a coalition forces' air strike in southern Afghanistan, the military said on Monday.
A statement from the coalition forces' Bagram base said the civilians were taken hostage by the militants at a compound where they (militants) retreated after exchange of fire with the soldiers.
US spent $85 bn on contracts in Iraq
By DPA,
Washington : The US government has spent $85 billion paying contractors for work in Iraq since the war began more than five years ago, according to a report released Tuesday by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO).
The amount spent, which does not include figures for 2008, accounts for 20 percent of all spending - including military operations - by the US government in Iraq since the March 2003 invasion, CBO said.
Seventy percent of the contracts were for work done in Iraq, and abut 40 percent of the paid contractor personnel were Iraqi citizens, it said.
Iran manufactures radar-evading vessels, UUVs
By NNN-IRNA,
Tehran : Experts of Iran's defence industries have successfully manufactured radar-evading vessels and unmanned undersea vehicles, Minister of Defence Brigadier General Mostafa Mohammad Najjar said.
The minister said Tuesday that the strategic products were designed and produced in the current Iranian year designated by Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as the "Year of Innovation and Progress".
The minister said that mass production of UUVs and the radar-evading vessels would remarkably promote combat power of the Iranian Navy.
Syria-Lebanese summit talks very fruitful, successful – FMs
By NNN-SANA,
Damascus : Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem has said that talks between President Bashar al-Assad and President Michel Suleiman of Lebanon have laid the ground for excellent relations between the two countries.
Speaking to reporters in a joint news conference with his Lebanese counterpart Fawzi Salloukh, Moallem said that "the Lebanese brothers will be informed of any developments on the Syrian-Israeli indirect talks."
He said that "demarcating Sheba'a farms cannot be made under the Israeli occupation ... this occupation should be ended."
Draft charge sheet finalized: Pakistani Minister Sherry Rehman
By NNN-APP,
Islamabad : Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Sherry Rehman Friday said the special committee has finalized the draft charge-sheet against President and presented the document to Minister for Law and Justice.
Talking to journalists after a meeting of the special committee tasked to prepare a draft charge-sheet to impeach President Pervez Musharraf, she said the charge-sheet is a technical document and Law Minister will look into so that it could be presented to the coalition leadership.
Afghan army set to assume more duty in Kabul: German minister
By IRNA,
Berlin : The Afghan army is expected to assume more security responsibilities in Kabul over the next six to nine months, German Defense Minister Franz Josef Jung told the daily Rheinischen Post newspaper on Saturday.
"Afghan (security) forces have to ensure Kabul's security over the next six to nine months," Jung said.
The German army will also step up the training of the Afghan army to 7,500 soldiers, he added.
The annual cost of the Afghan deployment of the German military is estimated to increase from 466.9 to 500 million euros, according to Jung.
Many in Pakistan opposed to safe passage for Musharraf
By Muhammad Najeeb, IANS,
Islamabad : A large number of politicians, lawyers and civil rights leaders are opposed to the idea of Pervez Musharraf being given safe passage out of the country after his resignation as president, though there are reports his bete noire Nawaz Sharif has agreed to it after a meeting with an envoy from Saudi Arabia.
US-Pakistan cooperation will continue: Rice
By Xinhua,
Washington : The US will continue to work with the Pakistani government, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said after President Pervez Musharraf announced his resignation Monday.
Rice thanked Musharraf, a key US counter-terrorism ally, for his help in the fight against Al Qaeda.
Musharraf, who took power in 1999 in a military coup, announced his decision to step down in a televised speech to the nation earlier in the day.
Suicide bombing in Pakistani hospital kills 23
By IANS,
Islamabad : At least 23 people, including two policemen, were killed when a suicide bomber blew himself up in a hospital in Pakistan's restive North West Frontier Province (NWFP), officials said.
Pro-Taliban militants accepted responsibility for the attack in the town of Dera Ismail Khan, some 300 km south of the provincial capital Peshawar.
The blast occurred outside the emergency ward of the hospital where a crowd of mostly Shia Muslims had gathered to protest the assassination of their leader, Asif Shah, by unknown gunmen riding a motorbike earlier in the day.
Taliban claims responsibility for twin blasts in E Pakistan, warns of more attacks
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP)spokesman Maulvi Umar Thursday claimed responsibility for two blasts in eastern Pakistan, private TV channel Ary One World reported.
Maulvi Umar also asked the security forces to stop their operations in the northwestern part and tribal areas, said the report.
He warned that more attacks would be conducted in other places if the operations were not terminated.
Up to 45 people were killed and 60 others injured in two suicide blasts in Wah Cantt in Punjab province on Thursday, the state-run PTV reported.
Militants can’t challenge writ of the govt: Gilani
By IRNA,
Islamabad : Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani on Thursday stressed the need to know the root causes of terrorism and said the parliament should form a strategy to deal with the issue.
Speaking in the National Assembly during debate on law and order situation, the Prime Minister said the house is sovereign and can debate for as many days as it wants and then comes up with a strategy to deal with the issue.
Gunmen shoot dead local politician, four other in northwest Pakistan
By IRNA,
Islamabad : Unidentified gunmen shot dead a local leader of the ruling party and three of his colleagues with him in Pakistan's northwest, police said Thursday.
Mouhammad Amin, a leader of the ruling nationalist party in North West Frontier Province, and his three friends were shot dead late last night in the restive Swat valley.
No group claimed responsibility for the attack but suspected militants have in the past targeted politicians belonging to ruling parties.
Police said that armed men ambushed their car at Deolai area, killing them at the scene.
Iran to develop independent missile headquarters: commander
By Xinhua,
Tehran : Iran is planning to establish an independent headquarters of missiles, the semi-official Mehr news agency reported Wednesday, quoting a top military commander.
The agency quoted Brigadier General Mohammad-Ali Jafari, commander of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), as saying that forming of an independent commandership of missiles aimed at strengthening the structure of the missile section.
"We should not allow the basic spirit of success and victory to be diminished in Revolution Guards", Jafari said.
Pakistani neuroscientist Dr. Aafia to plead not guilty to murder charges in US court...
By APP,
New York : Dr. Aafia Siddiqui, the Pakistani neuroscientist, would plead not guilty at her arraignment in a federal court Thursday on an indictment alleging attempted murder and assault of U.S. agents during a interrogation session in Afghanistan in July, her lawyer said Tuesday.
The indictment of Dr. Siddiqui, 36, who is being held without bail at a high security federal detention center in Brooklyn, was announced on Tuesday afternoon. It contains no charges of terrorism.
Six killed, 32 injured in suicide car bombing in northern Iraq
By Xinhua,
Mosul, Iraq : At least six people were killed and up to 32 others injured in a suicide car bomb attack at a popular marketplace in a town in Iraq's northern province of Nineveh on Saturday, a local police source said.
A suicide bomber drove his explosive-laden car into a market in the town of Tal Afar, 80 km west of the provincial capital of Mosul, and blew it up, killing six people and wounding 32 others, the source told Xinhua on condition of anonymity.
UAE Urges UN To Tackle Obstacles Hindering War Against Terrorism
By Bernama,
New York : The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has urged the United Nations (UN) to boost joint efforts, so as to tackle strongly the obstacles hindering the total eradication of terror.
The country also called for systematic, objective, balanced and transparent review of the definition of terrorism to facilitate international consensus on the definition of the phenomenon, Emirates news agency (WAM) quoted Acting Charge d'Affairs at the UAE Mission at the UN Headquarters Anwar Othman Barout Saleem Al-Barout as saying on Sunday.
DPRK to boost relations with Pakistan
By Xinhua,
Pyongyang : The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) will strengthen friendly and cooperative relations with Pakistan, the official KCNA news agency quoted a top DPRK legislator as saying Tuesday.
Kim Yong Nam, president of the Presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly, sent a congratulatory message to Asif Ali Zardari, who was elected Pakistani president on Saturday.
The two countries maintained a traditional relationship and have cooperated in various fields.
Three civilians among 28 killed in Pakistan
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : Al least 28 people, including three civilians, were killed as security forces pounded militants' hideouts in Pakistan's northwestern tribal region Wednesday, the Dawn News reported.
The security forces pounded militants' hideouts with jets in Bajaur tribal agency in North-West Frontier Province, killing 28 people, including three civilians, said the report.
Backed by gunship helicopters, the Pakistan Army and paramilitary Frontier Corps Tuesday launched a joint major and first-ever ground operation against militants in the tribal agency bordering Afghanistan.
PPP aims to oust Punjab government
By Muhammad Najeeb, IANS,
Islamabad : The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) which is in power at the centre and in three of the four provinces is eyeing the fourth and the largest province of Punjab to form its own government there to consolidate its power.
"Our party leaderships considers it important to form the government in Punjab otherwise it would be difficult for the central government to function smoothly," a PPP leader told IANS.
Palestinians call on Arab League to stop Israeli settlement activities
By NNN-KUNA,
Cairo : Arab League Secretary-General Amr Mussa has received a memo signed by 16,000 Palestinians calling on the Arab League, the UN Secretary-General, and the Secretary-General of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference to stop the Israeli settlement activities.
Double crisis hits Badawi-led Malaysian government
By IANS,
Kuala Lumpur : With a minister threatening to quit and opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim claiming the support of 31 members of the ruling Barisan Nasional (BN), Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi seems to be in serious trouble.
Mounting pressure on Badawi to step down as he had lost majority, Ibrahim claimed that more than 31 BN lawmakers had agreed to cross over to his opposition alliance Pakatan Rakyat. He, however, refused to reveal the names of the 31 MPs, Star Online reported Tuesday.
U.S. helicopter hard landing kills 7 in Iraq
By Xinhua,
Baghdad : A U.S. transport helicopter went down Thursday in southern Iraq, killing seven people on board, the U.S. military said.
The military said the seven died when a CH-47 Chinook experienced a hard landing at approximately 12:01 a.m.(2101 GMT Wednesday) about 100 km west of Basra.
The helicopter was on a transport mission from Kuwait to the Balad base in northern Iraq.
It said the incident was under investigation.
In November 2003, a CH-47 helicopter was shot down some 60 km west of Baghdad, killing 15 soldiers and leaving 21 injured.
Russia opposes new UN sanctions on Iran
By RIA Novosti,
Moscow : Russia is opposed to any new UN measures against Iran over its disputed nuclear programme for now, the foreign ministry said Saturday.
The statement came after six world powers met Friday to discuss a fourth round of UN sanctions against the Islamic Republic suspected of seeking to develop nuclear weapons.
The meeting in Washington brought no agreement.
Tehran insists it pursues nuclear research to generate electricity.
"We spoke out against extra measures by the UN Security Council at the current stage," the ministry said.
Afghan ambassador-designate kidnapped in Pakistan
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : Afghan ambassador-designate to Pakistan Abdul Khaliq Farahi was kidnapped in the northwest Pakistani city of Peshawar Monday.
The vehicle carrying Farahi was attacked by unidentified gunmen in the Hayatabad area of the capital city of North-West Frontier Province, News Network International (NNI) news agency said, adding that his driver was killed in the attack.
There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack.
Pakistan: govt for crackdown against hoax callers
By NNN-APP,
Islamabad : The Government has directed the federal and provincial administrations and law enforcement agencies to double their efforts against the hoax callers and take strict action against them.
The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and the Central Investigation Agency (CIA) have been asked to launch a crackdown against the hoax calls and callers in collaboration with other intelligence agencies to avoid this practice.
The operation would initially be launched in all major cities, including the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
More than 250,000 Afghan refugees repatriated this year: UN
By Xinhua,
Kabul : More than a quarter million Afghan refugees, mostly from Pakistan, have returned to their country so far this year with the support of the UN High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), a statement of the body released here Tuesday said.
"Since January this year, UNHCR has assisted a total of 251,880 registered Afghans to repatriate from the neighbouring Pakistan and Iran," the statement said.
It noted that 248,951 refugees have returned from Pakistan and another 2,929, from Iran.
The UNHCR would provide a cash of $100 to each person returning to Afghanistan.
Over 3,400 Indians use Kuwait amnesty scheme
By Aroonim Bhuyan, IANS,
Dubai : With just a week left for the expiry of an amnesty scheme in Kuwait for illegal expatriates to regularize their status, over 3,400 Indians have put in their applications.
"Over 3,400 Indians have applied for emergency outpasses till now," Dinesh Bhatia, charge d'affaires in the Indian embassy in Kuwait, told IANS over telephone Wednesday.
"We are processing the same and will get to arrive at the final figure in consultation with Kuwaiti authorities after the scheme gets over," he added.
Roadside bombing kills 3 U.S. soldiers in W Afghanistan
By Xinhua,
Kabul : A roadside bombing on Wednesday killed three soldiers with the U.S.-led Coalition forces and wounded another in western Afghanistan, said a Coalition statement received here on Thursday.
"The incident took place at about 8 p.m. local time (1530 GMT) when a Coalition vehicle struck an IED (improvised explosive device) killing three Coalition service members and wounding one in western Afghanistan," the statement said.
It added that Coalition personnel secured the scene, and the incident was under investigation.
90 dead, 20,000 displaced in Yemeni floods
By SPA,
Sana, Yemen : Flooding caused by a tropical storm has killed 90 people and displaced 20,000 others in southern Yemen, police and the World Food Program said Monday.
The WFP, which said 20,000 people were displaced, said it has been difficult to get aid to hard-hit Hadramut province because many roads were destroyed by floodwaters after Thursday's storm.
A police official said 90 people died and 24 farms were wrecked, foreign news agencies reported.
German FM holds talks with Pakistan President
By SPA,
Islamabad : German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier arrived here today for a two-day official visit to Pakistan for wide-ranging talks with top officials on means of bolstering bilateral cooperation.
Immediately after arrival, Steinmeier proceeded to the Presidential palace in Islamabad where he held talks with President Asif Ali Zardari on regional and international issues as well as bilateral relations and security developments in the region, official sources said.
Pakistan summons US envoy over airstrikes
By DPA,
Islamabad : Pakistan summoned US Ambassador Anne Patterson Wednesday to lodge a protest over recent missile strikes by US drones in the country's tribal region along the border with Afghanistan.
"It was underscored to the ambassador that the government of Pakistan strongly condemns the missile attacks which resulted in the loss of precious lives and property," a statement from the country's foreign ministry said.
"It was emphasised that such attacks were a violation of Pakistan's sovereignty and should be stopped immediately," it added.
Afghanistan, Pakistan pledge to build better relations
By DPA,
Ankara : Pakistan and Afghanistan leaders Thursday reiterated their pledges to cooperate towards promoting peace, security, stability and economic development in the region.
Meeting in Istanbul with Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Pakistan Prime Minister Syed Gilani and Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai vowed to continue cooperation in a number of fields and welcomed talks to promote peace in the two countries.
Explosion in Gaza kills policeman, injures three others
By KUNA,
Gaza : A Palestinian policeman was killed while three others were injured last night due to an explosion near a police headquarters in the Gaza Strip, a local radio reported on Friday.
The radio station in Gaza said the policeman and his mates at the bombs squad were trying to dismantle an explosive device at the headquarters.
The dismantling was a failure and the bomb detonated ending Alaa Al-Ajala's life.
Security forces hit militants” hideouts in Pakistan
By KUNA,
Islamabad : More than ten militants were killed in fresh military air strikes in Pakistan's northern lush-green on Saturday, security sources said.
Military gunship helicopters conducted fresh air strikes in Malamjabba and Kabal areas of Sawat districts, the sources told KUNA.
They said several suspected militant hideouts were destroyed, adding that at least ten militants were killed.
Sources said that operation was still continuing in the area.
Malaysian Indian wins award for educating poor kids
By IANS,
Kuala Lumpur : Malaysian Indian Dhanveer Singh has won the Most Outstanding Youth of the Year award for his work to educate poor children in Southeast Asian nations' He says being with children inspires him.
Singh's non-profit organisation SOLS247 is working among the disadvantaged youth in countries such as Papua New Guinea, Cambodia and Timor Leste, who are not in the league of the region's "tiger economies".
He was conferred the award at the Fourth Asian Youth Ambassadors (AYA) Dream Malaysia Awards ceremony here Sunday.
Banned outfit planning fresh bombings in poll-bound Bangladesh: report
By IANS,
Dhaka : Bangladesh's banned Islamist militant outfit Jama'atul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) has begun stockpiling explosives and is planning a fresh round of attacks across the country in the run up to the Dec 18 general elections, officials said.
The military-backed caretaker government has failed to follow up its drive against Islamist militancy, media reports Tuesday said quoting security officials.
At least four dead in Kabul explosion
By RIA Novosti,
Kabul : At least four people were killed and over 10 injured when an explosive device went off near the U.S. embassy in the Afghan capital, Kabul, a source in the country's interior ministry said on Thursday.
The official dismissed media reports that the explosion had occurred just outside the U.S. embassy, saying that the bomb had been detonated outside a state-run printing firm at least 200 meters away from the entrance to the U.S. compound.
"A terrorist attacked a NATO convoy," the source said, adding that the blast had occurred during rush hour.
India, Pakistan agree on visa liberalization
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan and India have agreed on the need for visa liberalization and decided to discuss ways to cooperate in curbing cross border crime, according to Online news agency.
A joint statement, issued at end of the home secretary level talks, said the Federal Investigation Agency of Pakistan and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) of India will meet soon to discuss cooperation in addressing issues like human trafficking, illegal immigration, and counterfeit currency.
IAEA monitors safety of Iran’s Bushehr nuclear power plant
By Xinhua,
Tehran : The International Atomic Energy Organization (IAEA) representative to Iran Christer Viktorsson said on Sunday that IAEA monitors the safety of Iran's Bushehr nuclear power plant, in Iran's southern Bushehr province, the official IRNA news agency reported.
"Cooperation between IAEA and Iran on the security and safety of Bushehr nuclear power plant is in line with existing protocols and agreements," IRNA quoted Viktorsson as saying, adding that "Iran is now fully cooperating with IAEA to maintain safety of Bushehr nuclear power plant."
Violence escalates in Karachi, over 40 killed
By KUNA,
Islamabad : More than 40 people have been killed in the violence in Pakistan's southern Karachi port city, erupted Saturday night between two local ethnic communities.
While the violence continued to escalate in Pakistan's commercial hub, the provincial government Monday issued orders of "shoot on site" and banned pillion-riding.
Members of two ethnic communities went on a rampage and attacked each other on Saturday night in Karachi. The violence spread like fire in various parts of the city and have brought the daily life on standstill.
Pakistan’s refusal to handover terrorists expected: BJP
By IANS,
New Delhi : The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Wednesday said Pakistan's refusal to handover 20 "most wanted" individuals to India was on expected lines and demanded that the government build international pressure on Pakistan through the United Nations to secure the suspects.
Water to be pumps in Mina in preparation for the 8th of Thu Al-Hijjah
By SPA,
Makkah : The General Directorate of water in the Makkah Region will begin pumping water through networks in Mina in preparation for the day of Tarwiyah (watering), the Eighth of Zil-Hijja.
On the Tarwiyah day the pilgrims spend in Mina day and night hours prior to moving to Arafat in the morning of the next day (Sunday).
This was announced by general supervisor of the General Directorate of water in the Makkah Al-Ahmad Baghdadi.
Pakistani president vows to help in Mumbai attacks probe
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : Pakistani President Asif Zardari Thursday assured visiting U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Ricethat Pakistan will assist in investigation into last week's Mumbai attacks, according to a statement from the Pakistani president office.
"The government will also take strong action against any Pakistani elements found involved in the attack," Zardari told Rice, said the statement.
"Pakistan is determined to ensure that its territory is not used for any act of terrorism," the statement quoted Zardari as saying.
Turkey, Afghanistan, Pakistan to strengthen anti-terrorism co-op
By Xinhua,
Ankara : Presidents of Turkey, Afghanistan and Pakistan on Friday stressed their determination to strengthen tripartite cooperation to fight against terrorism, the semi-official Anatolia news agency reported.
At the joint press conference held by Turkish President Abdullah Gul, Afghan President Hamid Karzai and Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari following the Turkey-Afghanistan-Pakistan tripartite summit in Istanbul on Friday, Gul said that the three parties confirmed that counter terrorism is the priority they have attached to.
NATO troops fire on bus in Afghanistan, killing 4
By RIA Novosti,
Kabul : NATO forces in Afghanistan have killed four passengers on a bus that failed to stop when driving toward their patrol, the ISAF press service said.
The incident occurred on Friday morning 40 km south of Kabul on the road to Kandahar. The International Security and Assistance Force said the bus driver did not heed signals to slow down, warning gestures or shots in the air, so the soldiers were forced to fire on the vehicle.
Saudi Arabian Airlines to fly 500,000 pilgrims
By SPA,
Jeddah : Saudi Arabian Airlines will fly about 500,000 pilgrims back home, Khaled Al-Mulhim, Director General of the national carrier, has said.
Sami Badr, Director of the Hajj Terminal at Jeddah’s King Abdul Aziz Airport, told the Jeddah-based Arabic newspaper "OKAZ" that there was coordination between the Civil Aviation Authority and the Hajj Ministry to bring pilgrims to the airport seven hours prior to the departure time of their flights.
He added that offices have been set up at Makkah entry points to organize the departure process.
President, PM vow to safeguard Pakistan’s defence
By IRNA,
Islamabad : President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani here Monday expressed resolve to safeguard country's defense and security and that Pakistan will itself investigate elements posing threats in this regard.
The Prime Minister held an important meeting with the President here at Aiwan-e-Sadar where Advisor to Prime Minister on National Security Mehmood Ali Durrani was also present.
The meeting discussed Pak-India tension, violation of Pakistan's air space, war on terror and the country's political situation besides other issues.